II! 


THE  LIBRARY 

OF 

THE  UNIVERSITY 
OF  CALIFORNIA 

LOS  ANGELES 


The  Power  of  Love 
The  City  of  Comrades 
A  Voice  from  the  Infinite 

and  Other  Verses 


By 
Irving  S.  Richter 


Published  by 
IRVING  S.  RICHTER 

BLMSBa^™-™,  Bav  3?nJ 


Copyright,    1920 
By   IRVING   S.    RICHTER 


•3  535 

-r 


TAw  collection  of  verses  is  dedicated  in 
loving  memory  to 

MY  MOTHER 

as  a  humble  but  affectionate  tribute  to  her 
noble  soul  and  exemplary  life. 


664220 


foreword 


This  little  volume  of  verses  is  published 
in  response  to  numerous  requests  for 
copies  of  my  poems  from  friends  who 
appreciate  my  literary  efforts  and  the  senti- 
ments I  have  endeavored  to  portray  in 
poetical  form. 

It  is  my  sincere  hope  that  the  message 
I  have  sought  to  convey  in  my  compositions 
may  find  fertile  soil  among  my  readers  and 
bring  forth  a  beautiful  garden  blossoming 
with  all  the  loveliness  and  perfume  that 
are  imbedded  in  the  human  soul. 


CONTENTS 

Page 

The  Power  of  Love 7 

The  City  of  Comrades 9 

Sleep    12 

To  Albert,  King  of  the  Belgians 13 

Alone 15 

The  Fall  of  Jerusalem 16 

Elegy  17 

Ambition  18 

Barcarolle    20 

I  Love  the  Summer 21 

No  Peace  with  Despotism 22 

Ruth  : 23 

Hope   24 

She  26 

The  Terms  of  Peace 27 

True  Love's  Memory 29 

Nature's    Altruism 31 

A  Tribute  to  Charlie  Chaplin 32 


Page 

To  My  Love  to  Be 34 

Peace 36 

To  Evelyn 38 

At  the  Bar  of  Justice 40 

The  Fiend  of  Man 41 

To  Mary  Miles  Minter 45 

Serenade   (First  Version) 46 

An  Ode  of  Comfort 47 

Zion  48 

America  49 

A  Letter  From  Evelyn 51 

The  Reward  of  Valor 52 

A  Solace  From  the  East 56 

Serenade  (Second  Version) 57 

General  Allenby 58 

The  Day  of  Days 59 

The  Call  of  the  Dawn ....  61 

The  Dove  of  Peace 63 

A  Voice  From  the  Infinite ....  64 


THE  POWER  OF  LOVE 

Ah!    When  with  fervid  grasp  I  press  your  tender  hand 
And  in  your  radiant  face  behold  the  Promised  Land, 
Where  Love's  dominion  reigns  with  majesty  supreme 
And  breathes  reality  into  my  fondest  dream! 

Ah !  When  I  hear  the  strains  of  your  melodious  voice 
Which  make  my  saddest  soul  in  ecstacy  rejoice, 
Whose  rich  enthralling  music  lifts  me  to  a  plane 
Of  happiness  divine — a  heavenly  domain! 

Ah!   When  I  see  the  lustre  of  your  sapphire  eyes — 
Those  priceless  gems  where  my  eternal  comfort  lies — 
That  precious  panacea  that  sheds  such  wondrous  rays 
And  makes  me  mock  all  ills  and  all  my  cares  allays! 

Ah!    When  I  hear  you  talk  in  accents  sweet  and  clear, 
In  tones  revealing  thoughts  exalted  and  sincere, 
A  sympathetic  spirit  for  the  common  weal, 
Nobility  of  aims — the  loftiest  ideal! 

Ah!  When  my  lips  your  crimson  cheeks  with  ardor  kiss, 
And  I  am  swayed  by  waves  of  pure  celestial  bliss 
That  gives  new  meaning,  adds  fresh  vigor  to  my  life, 
And  compensates  the  toil  of  my  untiring  strife! 


Ah!    When  with  throbbing  heart  your  graceful  form  I 

fold 

And  silence  speaks  to  us  with  eloquence  untold; 
And  as  the  rhythmic  beat  of  your  angelic  soul 
Uniting,  blends  with  mine  in  one  harmonious  whole! 

I  cease  to  be  a  son  of  this  prosaic  earth — 

Utopia  is  my  home,  the  land  of  my  rebirth ; 

I  now  can  move  a  world  and  make  it  rise  or  fall, 

For  Love  is  Power,  Love  is  God,  yea,  LOVE  IS  ALL! 


THE  CITY  OF  COMRADES 

I  live  in  a  City  of  Comrades, 

An  isle  in  a  turbulent  sea, 
Some  call  it  "THE  CITY  OF  HEAVEN," 

And  others,  "THE  CITY  TO  BE," 
But  I  will  just  call  it  the  City, 

The  City  for  you  and  for  me. 

'Tis  built  on  the  structure  of  friendship, 

Humanity,  Justice  to  all; 
Its  pillars,  of  Right  and  of  Mercy, 

Invincible,  stately  and  tall, 
Supporting  a  palace  majestic, 

Which  never  can  tremble  nor  fall. 

Its  dwellers  are  plain  men  and  women, 
In  number  they  are  only  a  few; 

Yet  something  in  them  is  distinctive, 
Uplifting,  inspiring  and  new, 

Which  makes  of  this  City  of  Comrades 
The  dream  of  the  ages  come  true. 

Their  creed  is  to  serve  and  be  useful, 

And  knowledge  and  learning  their  shrine; 

"All  men  are  my  brethren"  's  their  slogan, 
What  slogan  more  lofty,  divine? 

Their  life  is  replete  with  endeavor 
For  you  and  for  me  and  for  mine. 


Their  heartstrings  are  quick  and  responsive 
To  all  of  their  neighbors'  appeals, 

All  strugglers  they  help  to  the  pathway 
Which  triumph  and  glory  reveals, 

And  tell  them:   "The  darkest  of  heavens 
A  radiant  sunshine  conceals." 

Peace  holds  there  a  sway  undisputed, 

Supreme,  unpolluted  by  strife; 
They  know  not  the  meaning  of  discord, 

Sweet  harmony  governs  their  life; 
The  blessings  of  earth  and  of  nature 

Are  with  them,  abundant  and  rife. 

Their  soul  gives  a  resonant  echo 

To  every  human  emotion; 
They  surge  and  they  seethe  with  achievement, 

Like  waves  of  a  turbulent  ocean ; 
Their  mission's  to  serve  all  their  neighbors 

With  brotherly,  selfless  devotion. 

Life  gives  there  in  measure  unstinted 
Its  grandeur  and  fulness  to  all; 

Each  feels  there  an  exquisite  glory 
In  heeding  the  heavenly  call: 

To  live  and  create  and  accomplish 
Like  God,  the  Creator  of  all! 


10 


But  where  is  this  city  so  beautiful, 
Where  is  this  enchanting  domain? 

It  is  not  a  dream  nor  a  fancy, 
For  man  has  not  striven  in  vain; 

'Tis  just  where  you  dwell  and  are  seeking 
This  City  Divine  to  attain. 

To  enter  this  City  of  Comrades, 
It  surely  a  treasure  is  worth, 

But  go  there  and  it  will  embrace  you 
And  give  to  your  soul  a  rebirth; 

If  you  will  but  open  its  portals, 
Your  gain  is  a  heaven  on  earth. 

Your  life  will  a  grandiose  purpose, 
A  sacred,  new  object  conceive, 

Your  eyes  will  unfold  to  you  blessings 
Your  vision  will  scarcely  believe; 

A  joy  that  is  real,  unending, 
Your  purified  breast  will  receive. 

The  joy  of  achievement  and  service 
Your  spirit  with  gladness  will  fill, 

The  bliss  of  a  billion  companions 
Your  soul  will  enrapture  and  thrill; 

A  happiness  new  and  enthralling 
This  City  in  you  will  instil. 


11 


Come  join  us,  we  need  you,  good  brother, 
Our  City  to  swell  with  your  grace; 

You'll  help  us  to  spread  the  great  doctrine 
Which  soon  the  whole  world  must  embrace: 

One  family,  vast  and  united, 
Forever — one  glorious  race ! 


SLEEP 

Great  comforter  alike  of  man  and  beast, 

Of  nature's  sweetest  foods  the  most  delicious  feast, 

Of  all  our  earthly  ills  the  surest  cure, 

Of  young  and  old  the  most  seductive  lure, 

Sweet  gift  of  God  to  suffering  earth, 

Best  friend  of  man  even  from  his  very  birth, 

The  weaver  of  my  most  fantastic  dreams, 

The  sponsor  of  my  fondest  hopes  and  schemes, 

I  pay  you  homage  and  in  you  I  trust. 

You  still  all  woe  and  calm  all  human  fears, 

You  bury  anguish,  dry  all  human  tears; 

O  gentle  son  of  Nature's  boundless  good, 

All  men  succumb  to  your  enticing  food. 

Eternal  guardian  in  the  Great  Beyond, 

As  long  you  are  my  soul  shall  ne'er  despond ! 


12 


TO  ALBERT,   KING  OF  THE   BELGIANS 

Thine  is  the  Day,  we  shake  thy  valiant  hand 
In  joy,  for  Freedom's  flag  is  thine  again ; 

No  more  shall  brutal  fiends  thy  sacred  land 
With  crimes  pollute,  with  heinous  sins  profane. 

Majestic  and  unselfish  King!    To  thee 

We  owe  a  deep  immeasurable  debt; 
Immortal  Prince!    Thy  glorious  deed  will  be 

A  blessing  mankind  never  will  forget. 

When  to  his  lustful  scheme  he  bade  thee  yield 

And  offered  thee  an  ignominious  peace, 
Intrepid  rushed  thy  men  into  the  field, 

Unsheathed  their  swords  and  fought  without  surcease. 

Four  long  and  dreadful  years  thy  people  slaved, 

Tormented  by  a  grim,  infernal  foe, 
Whose  horrors  are  with  blood  and  fire  engraved, 

On  land,  at  sea,  in  air,  where'er  men  go. 

He  sacked  and  burned  thy  fair  and  fertile  soil, 
Thy  gallant  sons  he  mangled,  maimed  and  killed ; 

Thy  daughters  sentenced  to  unholy  toil, 

Thy  land  with  dire  and  shuddering  terrors  filled. 


13 


Thy  wealth,  thy  bliss,  thy  kingdom  and  thy  all 
Thou  gavest — save  thy  honor,  high,  sublime, 

That  Belgium's  lot  might  not  our  earth  befall, 
That  justice  should  not  perish  for  all  time. 

Thy  noble  martrydom  was  not  in  vain, 
That  Heaven-gifted  mission  fell  on  thee; 

It  saved  a  world  from  bondage  and  from  pain, 
Behold!  Soon  will  the  whole  fair  earth  be  free! 

Soon  will  the  gory,  horrid  struggle  end, 

And  tyranny  forever  be  destroyed; 
All  will  to  thee  a  grateful  hand  extend, 

Today  the  world  for  thee  is  overjoyed. 

Lo!     See  his  vaunted  callous  legions  fade, 
Before  the  world's  united  front  they  reel ; 

For  twenty  nations  joined  in  this  crusade 
Against  this  despot,  this  grim  imbecile. 

And  now  the  tide  has  turned  and  brought  the  light 
Of  glorious  peace  for  sorrow-laden  earth; 

His  doom  is  sealed.  Avaunt!  Thou  hellish  might, 
And  give  to  RIGHT  avenged  triumphant  birth! 


14 


ALONE 

Melody  of  Lyermontoff's  "Vichozhoo  odyeen 
ya  no.  dorogoo." 

Brightly  shines  the  moon  in  matchless  glory, 
Gentle  breezes  kiss  the  summer  night; 

Cupid's  weaving  an  enchanting  story, 
Fills  the  earth  with  heavenly  delight. 

Charming  melodies  I  hear  inspiring 

Of  the  nightingales  so  sweet,  divine, 
Whisp'ring  branches  sing  of  love  untiring, 

Stars  rejoice,  with  brilliant  lustre  shine. 

Yet  my  soul  is  wrapped  in  bitter  anguish, 
Moaning,  groaning,  heaving  mournful  sighs, 

For  it  dwells  and  pines  in  friendless  anguish, 
Like  a  lonesome  star  in  starless  skies. 

Gay  is  mankind,  happy,  dancing,  singing, 

I — alone,  depressed,  disconsolate. 
"Grieve  not,"  rings  a  voice,  "for  Heaven's  bringing 

Soon  thy  longing  heart  its  yearned  mate!" 


15 


THE  FALL  OF  JERUSALEM 

Joyously  trembles  my  heart  at  the  feat, 
The  glorious  victory,  triumph  sublime; 

Humble  and  grateful,  this  moment  I  greet, 
This  greatest  achievement  of  Man  and  of  Time. 


Fallen's  the  City !   But  not  as  of  yore ! 

The  jewel  of  Zion  has  fallen  to  rise 
Fairer  and  greater  than  ever  before — 

A  light  to  my  longing  and  suffering  eyes. 


Come  has  the  Day  and  departed  the  night; 

Lord  God  to  my  prayer  gave  merciful  heed 
Wondrous  indeed  is  this  heavenly  sight, 

A  nation  in  chains  has  forever  been  freed! 


16 


ELEGY 

Melody  as  of  Massenet's  Elegy 
Dedicated  to  Amalia. 

Oh!    Wondrous  springtime  of  yore, 

Verdant  and  sweet, 
Fled  hast  thou  for  evermore! 
The  azure  sky  is  now  dark. 

No  more  I  greet 
The  joyous  strains  of  the  lark. 
Sunk  has  the  sun  of  my  life, 
Eternal  gloom  now  shines  instead  of  light; 
Vainly  will  springtime  return,  for  my  sight 
Only  sees  darkness  and  strife, 

O,  bitter  strife! 
Void  is  my  fountain  of  bliss! 
Faded  and  perished  the  flower  of  my  heart, 
Dead  is  the  joy  of  your  kiss! 


17 


AMBITION 

I'm  wrapped  in  the  flames  of  ambition, 
That  blaze  like  a  merciless  fire; 

I'm  borne  on  the  wings  of  a  passionate, 
A  mighty,  resistless  desire. 

It  is  not  an  idle  illusion, 

Ephemeral  fancy  or  dream; 

'Tis  born  of  an  inner  conviction, 
A  duty  sublime  and  supreme. 

I  crave  not  for  wealth  nor  for  fortune, 
Nor  glory  nor  fame  is  my  goal; 

I'm  merely  obeying  a  dictate 

Of  conscience  and  spirit  and  soul. 

With  courage  and  love  I  have  answered 
This  urge  of  a  voice  from  within; 

I  know  that  my  earnest  endeavors 
Their  aim  will  assuredly  win. 

I  feel  I've  embarked  on  a  journey, 
With  barriers  littered  and  long, 

But  that  will  not  alter  my  course, 
My  heart  is  courageous  and  strong. 


18 


And  dark  though  the  clouds  I  encounter, 

Before  this  my  object  is  won, 
I  know  that  behind  them  is  hidden 

A  warm  and  a  radiant  sun. 

For  this  much  I  trust  and  believe  in, 

My  faith  is  implicit  and  real ; 
When  one  has  a  worthy  ambition, 

Pursues  it  with  patience  and  zeal, 

All  obstacles  he  will  then  conquer, 

All  stumbling-blocks  vanquish  and  down, 

For  victory  comes  to  the  valiant, 

And  triumph  their  efforts  must  crown! 


19 


BARCAROLLE 

Aielody  from  the  "Tales  of  Hoffman" 

Fairest  night,  O  hear  my  song, 

To  you  I  send  my  greeting; 
Gentlest  night,  I  pray  prolong 

These  happy  moments  fleeting. 

All  my  loveless  life  I  dreamed 

Of  you,  O  night  of  love! 
O'er  my  lonesome  path  you  beamed 

Like  silv'ry  stars  above. 

My  yearning  heart  will  bless 

Your  ethereal  birth, 
Your  memory  caress 

And  sing  you  chants  of  mirth! 

Linger  on,  glorious  night, 
Brilliant  more  than  daylight,  ah! 

Sweetest  night,  O  heed  my  song, 

My  song  of  celestial  bliss, 
God  above,  I  pray  Thee  prolong 

The  joy  of  a  night  like  this. 

On  this  heavenly  night, 

O  ecstatic  delight 
Of  a  night  of  pure  love, 

O  linger  on,  ah!  ah!  ah!  ah!  ah!  ah!  ah!  ah! 


20 


I  LOVE  THE  SUMMER 

I  love  the  splendid  beauty  of  this  summer  morn, 
The  fragrant  odors  of  the  fields  of  corn, 

The  j<>\   <>!   lium;m  hope  reborn, 

Like   day  this   brilliant   morn; 

Despair  and  gloom  I  scorn 

On  this  majestic  morn. 

I  love  the  golden  glory  of  this  summer  day, 
The  warmth  and  lustre  of  each  sunshine  ray, 

When  nature's  all  abloom  and  gay; 

I  love  the  charming  lay 

The  songsters  sing  this  day, 

This  lovely  summer  day. 

I  love  the  scented  breezes  of  this  summer  night, 
When  stars  and  moon  shed  forth  their  silvery  light: 

I  love  to  watch  that  glorious  sight 

And  feel  the  rare  delight 

Of  this  enchanting  night, 

This  beautiful  summer  night. 


21 


NO  PEACE  WITH  DESPOTISM 

Before  the  awful  tribune  of  Almighty  God 

He  stands,  soul-steeped  in  sin,  in  perfidy  and  shame! 

The  direst  savage  that  our  earth  has  ever  trod, 
The  fiercest  monster  ever  clad  in  human  frame. 

His  hands  still  hot  from  that  atrocious  gory  deed, 
Ten  million  butchered  men  gaze  at  his  blood-stained 
face, 

His  heart  still  burning  with  the  lust  of  pride  and  greed, 
Yet  here  he  stands  and  begs  for  mercy  and  for  grace. 

A  ruined  continent  still  writhes  with  poignant  pain, 
The  manhood  of  the  world  still  in  the  flames  of  hell, 

And  grief-oppressed  earth  cries  out  to  him  in  vain 
To  cease  the  callous  carnage  ere  his  dreadful  knell. 

Ten  million  orphan  babes  look  at  "His  Majesty," 
An  endless  chain  of  cripples  stare  at  him  in  ire, 

While  to  a  martyred  world  he  makes  his  fervid  plea, 
His  crime  still  rules  supreme  with  ruthless  sword  and 
fire. 

Can  we  make  peace  with  such  a  monstrous  fiend  of  man? 

The  countless  dead  will  rise  from  their  untimely  grave 
And  bring  to  tortured  mankind  a  yet  more  ghastly  ban 

If  we  this  tyrant  from  a  tyrant's  doom  should  save! 


22 


RUTH 

'Tis  not  your  sapphire-beaming  eyes,  dear  Ruth, 
'Tis  not  the  golden  sunshine  of  your  youth, 
'Tis  not  your  sweet  and  all-enchanting  voice, 
Whose  tones  do  make  the  saddest  heart  rejoice; 
'Tis  not  your  matchless  hyacinthine  hair 
Whose  beauty  is  superb,  beyond  compare; 
'Tis  not  your  radiant,  fascinating  face; 
What  earthly  creature  does  possess  such  grace! 
'Tis  not  your  comely  figure,  gentlest  maid, 
Whose  memory  from  me  shall  never  fade. 

All  these  your  charms  I  worship  and  adore, 
But  that  which  than  all  else  does  thrill  me  more- 
Ah!   That  which  lifts  me  into  Eden's  heights 
And  makes  me  dream  of  Heaven's  grandest  sights! 
Ah !   That  which  brings  me  pure  supernal  bliss 
And  makes  me  think  of  naught  but  you,  is  this — 
Your  noble,  gracious,  heaven-gifted  soul, 
Your  kind,  divine  and  all-inspiring  soul. 

For  this  my  love  for  you  it  knows  no  bounds, 

0  how  it  burns  and  blazes  and  resounds! 

For  when  my  soul  with  your  soul  doth  commune, 

1  hear  a  charming,  all-entrancing  tune, 

The  sweetest,  most  melodious  song  of  songs — 
I  hear  the  music  of  angelic  throngs  — 
So  do  its  vibrant  strings  to  mine  respond ! 


23 


HOPE 

Once  upon  an  autumn  morning,  of  the  winter  bringing 

warning, 

Evil  omen  of  the  dismal,  sunless,  lifeless,  wintry  day, 
Field   and   man  were   gloomy,   wailing,   at   the   fleeting 

summer  quailing, 
Trees  and  flow'rets  sadly  paling,  paling  at  their  swift 

decay. 

Suddenly  returned  the  summer,  making  earth  as  bright 
and  gay 

Like   a   glorious  summer  day. 


New   life   came   to   nature   dying,    mankind    ceased    its 

mournful  sighing, 
Once    again    the    lilies    blossomed    forth    a   beauteous 

array, 
Once    again    the    birds   were   singing,    on    the    fragrant 

branches  springing, 
Once    again    the   air  was    ringing,    ringing   with    the 

voice  of  May. 

Sunshine  spread  its  warm  and  wondrous  rays  with  such 
a  grand   display 

Like  a  glorious  summer  day. 


24 


I  was  startled    at    this    seeming    godly    error  —  was  I 

dreaming? 
No,  for  wide-awake  T  was  and  then   I  heard  a  still 

voice  say: 
"This    is    HOPE    that   comes   a-greeting,    when    man's 

fortunes  fly  retreating, 
When  his  happiness  seems  fleeting,   fleeting  from   his 

hold  away, 
Sweet  felicity  to  him  returns  and  makes  him  bright  and 

gay 

Like  a  glorious  summer  day." 


25 


SHE 

Melody  as  of  Lyermontoffs  "Fichozhoo  odyin  ya  na 

dorogoo" 
Dedicated  to  R.  Z. 

Angel-fair,  her  face  with  goodness  beaming, 
Fairest  of  all  mortal  maids  was  she; 

Heavenly  her  look,  as  sun-rays  gleaming, 
Dancing  in  a  calm  and  glorious  sea. 

Her  embrace,  O  what  ecstatic  feeling! 

Like  two  flames  that  lovingly  entwine, 
Like  enchanting  tones  of  organs  pealing, 

Blend  in  one  pure  harmony  divine. 

Her  warm  kiss,  what  satiated  yearning! 

Like  a  fountain  in  a  wilderness; 
Lips  and  cheeks  with  fervid  tremor  burning, 

Kindling  love  in  all  its  tenderness. 

Her  long  hair  like  waves  each  other  meeting, 
Rise  majestic,  flow  and  undulate; 

Her  sweet  eyes  like  dewdrops  sunshine  greeting, 
Heaven  could  not  brighter  stars  create. 

Her  kind  words,  ennobling  and  inspiring, 
Thrill  the  heart  and  soothe  all  earthly  ills; 

Can  one  help  my  heroine  admiring 
Or  resist  the  love  her  soul  instils! 


26 


THE  TERMS  OF  PEACE 

The  Warriors : 

Come,  sweet  dove  of  peace,  descend, 

Spread  your  soothing  wings  of  love, 
Bring  to  our  affray  an  end, 

Come,  descend  from  high  above. 
We  are  weary  of  the  fight, 

Weary  of  this  wild  melee; 
Bring  us  soon  the  balmy  light 

Of  that  long-awaited  Day! 

The  Dove'. 

No,  ye  sinful  mortals,  no! 

My  abode  is  not  in  lands 
Stained  with  human  blood  and  woe, 

Filled  with  greedy  savage  bands. 
I  reside  where  goodwill  dwells, 

'Midst  the  loving  and  the  free. 
Where,  instead  of  cannon  shells, 
Scream  the  strains  of  human  glee. 

The  Warriors : 

Come,  O  gentle,  kindly  bird, 

Let  us  as  of  yore  be  friends; 
We  have  sinned ;  yes,  we  have  erred, 

But  we  now  will  make  amends. 
Europe's  death  is  nearing  fast, 

Wounded,  and  with  pain  prostrate, 


27 


Europe  soon  will  breathe  her  last; 

Come,  then,  'ere  it  is  too  late. 
The  Dove: 

I  have  lost  my  trust  in  ye, 

For  your  love  soon  turns  to  hate ; 
If  ye  truly  long  for  me, 

Then  fulfil  what  I  dictate: 
Sink  your  warships,  melt  your  guns, 

Burn  your  forts,  destroy  your  swords, 
Clear  away  your  fallen  sons 

And  disperse  your  warring  hordes. 
The  Warriors : 

We  will  do  as  you  command, 

Only  come  and  do  not  wait; 
We'll  disarm,  we'll  disband, 

And  a  new  regime  create; 
Soldiercraft  shall  nevermore 

Be  a  nation's  skill  or  pride, 
Nevermore  shall  tools  of  war 

Humankind's  disputes  decide. 
The  Dove: 

I  am  coming,  I'll  descend, 

Greet  me  with  a  joyful  kiss ; 
With  me  comes  my  constant  friend — 

Pure,  divine,  eternal  bliss. 
Tell  your  people  that  your  earth 

Ev'n  for  God  will  then  suffice, 
It  will  have  a  great  rebirth 

And  become  a  paradise. 
28 


TRUE  LOVE'S  MEMORY 

Dedicated  to  Ruth  W, 

Since  all  my  heroic  endeavors  have  failed 

To  conquer  thy  heart; 
Since  merciless  fate,  as  it  seems,  has  decreed, 

Alas!  That  we  part; 

I  leave  thee,  my  darling,  to  one  who  is  nobler  than  I, 
To  one  who's  far  worthier,  love,  of  thy  love  than  am  I. 

I  will  not  upbraid  thee;  I  will  not  reprove; 

How  could  I,  sweet  dove! 
Thy  soul  has  not  seen  yet  the  light,  nor  yet  heard 

The  voice  from  above ; 
But  that  will  not  weaken,  sweet  angel,  the  flames  of  my 

love, 
Like  hunger  unsated,  'twill  grow  more  ardent,  my  love. 

And  even  if  destiny  wills  it,  avaunt 

The  pitiless  thought! 
That  we  should  forever  be  distant  apart, 

(Sweet  hope  set  at  naught!) 

I  will  not  forget  thee,  my  darling,  my  angel  of  bliss, 
O  Heavens,  how  could   I — my  charm  of  ethereal  bliss! 

And  if  never  again  I  am  thrilled  by  the  sight, 
My  beloved,  of  thee; 


29 


(Unmerciful  Fate,  thou  darest  not  rob 

That  blessing  from  me!) 

Our  friendship  to  me  will  then  be  like  a  beautiful  dream, 
Forever  I'll  cherish  and  remember  that  beautiful  dream! 

That  dream  like  a  star  will  illumine,  my  path 

With  a  crystalline  light, 
Through  clouds  and  darkness  'twill  shine  and  display 

A  soul-thrilling  sight — 

The  sight  in  my  dreams  of  my  darling  and  radiant  maid, 
The  heavenly  sight  of  my  dear  and  celestial  maid! 


NATURE'S  ALTRUISM 

Melody  as  of  Lyermontoff's  "Vichozhoo  adyin  ya  na 


Swiftly  summer's  blithesome  hours  are  fleeting, 
Larks  and  sparrows  fly  to  kinder  climes; 

Soon  will  vanish  their  sweet  morning  greeting, 
Soon  will  die  their  gay  melodious  rhymes. 

Sad's  the  elm,  enwrapped  in  mournful  sighing, 

As  his  branches  droop  despondently, 
Like  a  mother  when  her  child  is  dying, 

Sinks  in  bitter,  hopeless  agony. 

How  the  flow'rets  quiver,  meekly  yielding 

To  the  bleak  and  cruel  wintry  call; 
How  they  weep  and  beg  the  sunbeams  shielding, 

Not  to  let  them  prematurely  fall. 

Plaintive  sing  the  throngs  of  summer  lovers, 

As  the  vernal  ecstacy  departs; 
Sorrow  sways  them,  anguish  o'er  them  hovers, 

Dark's  their  vision,  cold  have  waxed  their  hearts. 

Earth  with  fading,  once  fair  leaves  is  littered, 
Trampled,  crushed  by  all,  O  painful  sight! 

Yet  with  joy  and  feeling  unembittered, 
They'll  return  and  thankless  man  delight! 

31 


A  TRIBUTE  TO  CHARLIE  CHAPLIN 

From  one  of  countless  myriads  who  have  found 

In  your  inimitable  art, 
A  source  of  joy  supreme  that  knows  no  bound, 

Accept  this  tribute  from  my  heart — 
An  emblem  of  eternal  gratitude, 
A  symbol  of  my  tribute  to  your  good. 

Full  many  an  hour  of  cheerfulness  and  bliss 
To  sorrowing  millions  you  have  given, 

A  suffering,  tortured  mankind  such  as  this 
Long,  long  for  men  like  you  has  striven, 

To  find  a  refuge  of  forgetfulness 

From  life's  travails  and  from  its  bitterness. 

And  old  and  young,  oh,  how  we  love  you  all! 

Your  very  name  we  all  adore! 
For  "Charlie  Chaplin"  's  like  a  clarion-call, 

Like  some  sweet  talisman  of  yore. 
O,  how  the  eager  masses  rush  and  throng 
To  greet  their  hero  with  delirious  song! 

Whence  comes  to  you  this  peerless,  mystic  skill, 

Immortal  architect  of  joy? 
Whose  merest  acts  with  merriment  do  thrill 

Alike  the  heart  of  man  and  boy ; 


32 


Whose  very  presence  brings  a  radiant  light 
To  gloom — to  all,  a  phantom  of  delight. 

Play  on,  you  great  and  genial  master,  play! 

Such  is  the  universal  voice! 
The  saddest  soul  you  turn  serene  and  gay, 

The  heaviest  heart  you  can  rejoice. 
With  deepest  reverence  oft  of  you  I'll  think, 
As  from  your  cup  of  happiness  I  drink. 

For  you're  a  messenger  of  God  above, 
Man's  pain  and  burdens  here  to  ease; 

What  other  meed  can  we  vouchsafe  but  love 
To  one  whose  task  is  but  to  please? 

This  token  of  my  love,  then,  pray  receive, 

A  soul  with  homage  laden  you  will  relieve! 


33 


TO  MY  LOVE  TO  BE 

Come,  sweet  maiden,  and  be  mine, 
My  heart  is  yearning  for  your  love, 

Your  eyes  to  me  more  brightly  shine 
Than  the  radiant  sun  above. 

Your  voice  to  me  more  music  brings 
Than  the  most  melodious  chords, 

I  envy  not  the  might  of  kings, 
Nor  the  wealth  of  knightly  lords. 

Your  breath  to  me  more  fragrant  smells 
Than  the  freshest  summer  flower; 

Your  look  to  me  a  story  tells 
Like  a  kind  descending  shower. 

Let  me  fondly  you  embrace 

And  dream  of  happiness  sublime. 

Your  smile  for  me  has  richer  grace 
Than  the  majesty  of  Time. 

Your  hands  to  me  much  softer  are 
Than  the  softest  velvet  green; 

They  lead  me  like  a  brilliant  star 
To  a  land  of  bliss  unseen. 


34 


Your  lips  to  me  give  greater  strength 

Than  was  owned  by  Hercules. 
Come,  my  darling,  come  at  length, 

Be  my  rock  of  hope  and  ease. 

In  your  speech  more  joy  I  find 

Than  in  all  my  earthly  gain. 
Your  words  are  balsam  to  my  mind, 

They  cure  my  wounds,  they  heal  my  pain. 

Your  locks  to  me  more  precious  are 

Than  the  rarest  gem  or  stone, 
Your  hair  to  me  more  gorgeous  far 

Than  a  king's  majestic  throne. 

Your  midst  creates  more  solace  bright 
Than  the  gentlest,  sweetest  lays; 

Your  presence  casts  more  wondrous  light 
Than  the  iridescent  rays. 

Tarry  not,  O  tender  dove! 

And  grant  me  soon  my  heart's  desire; 
It  burns  for  your  immortal  love 

Like  a  blazing  desert  fire. 

Let  me  hold  you  to  my  breast 

And  forget  my  earthly  care ; 
You  make  my  life  a  happy  nest, 

A  fount  of  joy  beyond  compare. 


35 


PEACE 

Peace,  Peace,  O  balmy,  sweetest  gift, 

We  bless  thy  timely  birth ! 
At  length  is  heard  the  dying  wish 

Of  anguished,  bleeding  earth. 

Departed  has  the  cruel,  vile 

And  evil  ghost  of  war; 
God  grant  it  may  from  us  be  gone 

Forever,  evermore. 

The  fiendish,  callous,  hellish  spectre, 
Lo,  from  our  midst  has  fled; 

Its  offspring — murder,  hate  and  blood 
Forevermore  are  dead. 

So  weep  no  more,  thou  suffering  world, 

An  era  new  is  born; 
Let  not  the  thought  of  the  black  past 

Becloud  this  brilliant  morn. 

Ye  cannons  and  ye  ravenous  guns 
Your  murderous  noises  cease! 

With  happy  pride  the  bugle  sounds 
The  Victory  of  peace. 

The  very  air  it  quakes  with  joy, 
All  hearts  with  bliss  are  filled; 


36 


This  day  a  new  and  glorious  hope 
In  mankind  has  instilled. 

That  vandal  deeds  and  human  blood 
No  more  the  earth  shall  stain, 

For  peace  with  all  its  blessings  will 
Supreme  forever  reign. 

The  ghastly  forces  that  breed  war 

Now  for  all  time  will  end, 
And  henceforth  man  to  man  will  be 

A  brother  and  a  friend. 

No  more  a  race  shall  be  to  some 

Mean  lord  a  vassal  slave; 
Each  people  shall  its  master  be, 

Its  own  free  banner  wave. 

Abide  on  its  own  sacred  soil, 

And  its  own  fate  design; 
So,  unrestrained,  will  thrive  and  in 

Its  own  sweet  light  will  shine. 

Thus  purged  of  sin,  the  world  will  have 

A  great,  divine  rebirth — 
A  land  of  bliss  it  will  become, 

A  Paradise  on  earth. 

The  sacrifice  was  not  in  vain, 
Nor  was  man's  hellish  plight, 

It  meant  destruction  of  all  wars, 
For  Right  has  vanquished  Might! 
37 


TO  EVELYN 

Dedicated  to  Evelyn  L. 

Last  night  I  met  the  sweetest  maid 
That  dwells  this  earth  within; 

A  lovelier  maid  there  never  lived — 
Her  name  is  Evelyn. 

The  heavenly  strains,  the  charming  tones 

Of  her  enchanting  voice, 
Would  make  a  million  anguished  souls 

With  ecstacy  rejoice. 

The  golden  lustre  and  dazzling  fire 

Of  her  entrancing  eyes, 
Eclipse  the  grandeur  of  the  sun 

That  sets  in  western  skies. 

The  beaming  beauty  of  her  face 

Does  like  a  sapphire  shine; 
O  how  it  thrills  me,  how  it  fills  me 

With  a  zeal  divine. 

When  first  I  saw  that  graceful  creature, 

That  ravishing  Evelyn, 
Methought  I  was  in  Paradise, 

Amidst  the  Cherubin. 

Long  had  I  dreamt  of  that  divine, 
That  captivating  maid; 


38 


The  memory  of  that  glorious  night 
From  me  shall  never  fade. 

That  night  of  all,  I'll  ever  recall, 

My  happiest  proclaim; 
O  God !  For  such  pure  bliss  I  praise, 

I  bless  Thy  holy  name! 

Her  goodness,  like  a  spring  that  gives 

Fresh  vigor  and  new  life, 
Distils  such  love  throughout  the  air 

That  peace  is  born  of  strife. 

She's  like  a  fleeting  fairy  vision, 

A  soul-enthralling  sight ; 
She'd  make  the  angels  quake  with  joy, 

The  very  gods  delight. 

But  oh,  that  grand  inspiring  sight, 

A  passing  phantom  seems, 
For  such  sweet  maidens,  people  say, 

Are  only  seen  in  dreams. 

And  yet,  and  yet,  my  cares  have  sunk  into 

A  fathomless  abyss; 
My  clouds  have  molten  into  a  sun 

Of  radiating  bliss. 

Sweet  Evelyn,  sunshine  of  my  life, 
The  Fates  were  kind  to  me: 

A  soul  imprisoned,  a  heart  enchained, 
Forevermore  are  free. 
39 


AT  THE  BAR  OF  JUSTICE 

Alone  he  stands  before  the  Justice  bar, 
Deserted  by  his  erstwhile  friends; 
A  planet's  wrath  on  him  descends, 
Revengeful  cries  from  near  and  far; 
He  knows  the  doom  that  bar  portends, 
He  sees  the  shadow  of  the  czar  .... 

His  crime  is  to  the  jury  read, 

All  victims  of  his  fearful  deed; 

Their  wounds  have  not  yet  ceased  to  bleed. 

He  pleads  for  grace  with  drooping  head; 

Full  well  he  knows  his  awful  need; 

He  sees  the  ghosts  of  all  his  dead  .... 

The  outraged  fields  and  angered  seas, 

The  blood-polluted,  shuddering  air, 

A  world  enwrapped  in  pain  and  care, 

A  devastated  earth — all  these 

Appalling  sins  do  witness  bear, 

And  naught  can  now  his  fear  appease  .... 

"What  is  your  verdict,  your  decree?" 

Asks  Justice,  "Speak  your  righteous  choice, 

And  let  a  tortured  world  rejoice 

That  man  henceforward  shall  be  free!" 

Aloud  proclaims  the  jury's  voice: 

"HE'S  GUILTY  IN  THE  FIRST  DEGREE!' 


40 


THE  FIEND  OF  MAN 

At  the  zenith  of  his  power,  while  the  world  was  like  a 

bower, 

Giving  shelter  and  a  fragrance  sweet  as  Eden  long  ago, 
Earth   with   happiness  was   teeming,    and   its   guardians 

were  gleaming 
Forth  a  bliss  Lord  God  was  dreaming — dreaming  in  the 

long  ago, 
When  He  shaped  our  Mother  Earth  and  in  mercy  gave 

it  birth; 
While  man's  soul  with  good  was  beaming,  with  fraternity 

aglow, 

And  in  glory  was  redeeming  highest  hopes  of  man  below — 
Suddenly  this  master  wrought  a  deed,  so  vile  and  ghastly 

so, 
Henceforth  man  will  only  name  him  and  his  name  will 

only  know 

As  accursed  fiend  and  foe. 

Said   this  demon   to   his   legions:   "All   earth's   fair   and 

noble  regions 

To  my  sovereign  will  shall  bow ;  I  am  master  here  below, 
Heaven  willed  that  all  shall  render — all  shall  homage  to 

me  tender, 
And  in  this  wise  shall  engender  awe  for  me  where'er  I 

go." 
Then  this  "lord"  by  "God  appointed,  by  the  seraphim 

annointed," 

41 


Evil,  wicked,  foul  pretender,  told  his  minions  forth  to 

go, 
This  his  phantom  real  to  render,  sparing  nought — nor 

life  nor  woe. 
And  his  callous  legions,  which  to  countless  myriads  soon 

did  grow, 
Blindly  listened  and  the  world  went  forth  to  subjugate, 

for  so 

Willed  the  cursed  fiend  and  foe. 

Worse  than  ev'n  the  ancient  savage,  wildly  ran  they, 
wrought  such  ravage, 

Such  inhuman  deeds  that  man  since  time  was  born  did 
never  know. 

Millions  from   their  sword  were   bleeding,   earth   with 
fire  and  hate  was  seething, 

As  with  fury  unreceding  marched  these  hordes  of  man- 
kind's foe. 

Nature's  fields  were  drenched  with  blood,  rendered  bar- 
ren by  this  flood, 

Hungry  man  was  sorrow  breathing,  breathing  agony  and 
woe, 

Grief — the  flames  of  famine  feeding,  death — afire,  ablaze, 
aglow. 

Mountain-high  were  piled  the  butchered,  buried  in  the 
mire  and  snow, 

Round  them  lay  the  ruins  of  the  nations'  sacred  treasures, 
oh! 

Wanton  deed  of  ruthless  foe! 

42 


But  the  peoples  were  undaunted,  though  this  nightmare 

them  had  haunted, 
Fearless  were  they  and  unyielding  to  the  base  will  of  the 

foe; 
Though  their  soil  with  blood  was  streaming,  though  the 

race  for  bread  was  screaming, 
And  of  darker  days  was  dreaming,  yield  they  would  not 

to  the  foe. 

Yet   the   monster's   greed,   unsated,   was   ferocious,   un- 
abated— 
Till  at  length  God  His  redeeming  hand  on  mankind  did 

bestow, 
With  a  force  such  foe  beseeming  dealt  a  giant  crushing 

blow, 
One  by  one  his  legions  melted  as  in  sunshine  flakes  of 

snow, 
For  the  whole  wide  world  was  now  arrayed  against  this 

brutal  fiend  and  foe, 

'Gainst  this  hellish  vicious  foe. 

One  by  one  his  pillars  crumbled;  as  his  mighty  empire 
tumbled, 

Crumbled  too  the  lustful  dreams  of  this  ungodly  heart- 
less foe. 

He  who  world-dominion  sought,  such  horrific  havoc 
wrought, 

Grief  and  death  and  torture  brought  and  let  blood  in 
torrents  flow, 


43 


Now  awaits  with  tragic  gloom  his  well-earned,   awful 

doom — 

Justest  handicraft  he  wrought,  on  himself  but  to  bestow, 
And  all  other  tyrants  ought — ought  the  selfsame  fate  to 

know, 
For  this  earth  was  made  for  humans,  with  the  love  of 

man  aglow, 
Not  for  demons,  despots,  devils,  not  for  wicked  tyrants, 

no, 

Not  for  this  accursed  foe! 


TO  MARY  MILES  MINTER 

Celestial  star!    Whose  light  and  glory  shine 
Effulgent  o'er  the  whole  vast  earth, 

Bring  to  the  multitudes  a  joy  divine 

And  to  a  troubled  world  a  flood  of  mirth! 

0  radiant  beauty,  whose  angelic  grace 
Enthrals  the  spirit  and  allures  the  heart! 

When  yesternight  I  met  you  face  to  face, 
And  heard  a  message  from  your  lips  depart 

Of  Godlike  import;  clothed  in  noblest  words, 
Which  only  from  a  heavenly  soul  can  spring, 

And  uttered  with  a  voice  as  sweet  as  birds' 
Melodious  music  when  in  bliss  they  sing — 

1  saw  in  you,  besides  a  brilliant  star, 
A  spark  of  pure  divinity  whose  goal 

Sublime  is  BROTHERHOOD.    Since  then  you  are 
A  light  and  inspiration  to  my  soul. 

Shine  on,  shine  on,  irradiate  star  of  stars! 

The  world's  obscure  horizon  needs  your  rays; 
They'll  clear  the  mist  which  mankind's  vision  mars 

And  give  us  better,  brighter,  happier  days! 


45 


SERENADE 

Melody  as  of  Schubert's  Serenade 
First  Version. 

In  the  stillness  and  sublimeness  of  this  glorious  night, 

I  will  make  my  plea  to  thee  and  sing  to  thee  my  lays. 
If  in  vain,  the  stars  and  moon  will  dim  their  wondrous 

light, 

But  if  heard,  will  add  more  lustre  to  their  brilliant 
rays. 

Ev'n  the  nightingale  so  tender,  ah !  she  pleads  for  me, 
And  the  wailing  waves  in  tumult  blend  their  sighs 
with  mine, 

While  the  lleavens  wait  to  share  my  boundless  ecstacy, 
And  the  angels  join  in  chorus  prayerful,  divine. 

Let  me  hear  the  soft  sweet  sounds  of  thy  vibrant  voice, 
Let  me  see  the  sparkling  eyes  of  thy  radiant  face, 
Let  me  greet  thy  charming  accents  that  my  heart  rejoice, 
Let  me  feel  the  blissful  rapture  of  thy  divine  embrace. 

Come  respond  to  my  entreaties,  O  dearest,  tarry  not, 
God  will  bless  us,  for  true  lovers  He  ne'er  hath  forgot! 


46 


AN  ODE  OF  COMFORT 

Dedicated  to  M.  F. 

Tomorrow  you'll  bewail  the  cruel  day, 
The  tragic  fate  that  broke  your  happy  nest; 

With  fervid  tears,  lamenting,  you  will  pray 
That  God  may  grant  his  soul  eternal  rest. 

I  share  your  sorrow  and  with  you  I  grieve ; 

My  heart,  sweet  maiden,  melts  for  you  this  day. 
I  send  this  soulful  message  to  relieve 

Your  pain,  your  mental  anguish  to  allay. 

Men  like  your  father  never  die;  they  live 
Immortal  lives  until  the  end  of  time; 

Their  deeds  inspire  the  human  race  and  give 
Us  hope  of  a  futurity  sublime. 

Their  spirit  guides  us  like  a  star 

Whose  light  has  never  failed  nor  ever  will; 
Their  noble  acts  like  echoes  from  afar 

Resound  with  force  and  godliness  instil. 

Their  souls  with  ours  commingle,  with  ours  entwine, 

They  leave  to  us  a  priceless  heritage ; 
Their  deeds  with  an  undying  radiance  shine, 

Illumine  mankind's  earthly  pilgrimage. 


47 


So,  gentlest  creature,  hush!  and  dry  your  eyes, 
Obey  the  call  of  your  departed  king: 

"I  am  not  dead,  my  dearest  child,  arise, 
In  you  I  live;  go  forth  with  joy  and  sing!" 


ZION 

Arise,  thou  son  of  Israel,  arise! 

Thy  Day  is  come !    Behold  its  brilliant  Light ! 
Lift  up  thy  head  and  dry  thy  tearful  eyes; 

Look  on  with  joy,  admire  the  glorious  sight! 

Shake  off  thy  yoke,  erect  thy  bended  spine! 

Forget  their  wrongs,  their  ghastly  crimes  forgive 
The  land  where  dwelt  thy  fathers  now  is  thine. 

Inhale  the  balmy  air,  breathe  in  and  live. 

Majestic  rise  the  waters  of  the  Nile, 
The  Jordan  speeds  thy  coming  to  salute, 

While  Jaffa  greets  thee  with  a  tender  smile 
And  plays  a  song  of  welcome  on  the  flute! 


48 


AMERICA 

Throughout  the  mourning,  stricken,  war-oppressed  land, 
The  shadow  hovers  of  a  great  benignant  hand; 
Above  the  roaring  guns,  amidst  the  frantic  fight, 
Is  heard  a  soothing  voice  of  glorious  hope  and  light. 

The  nations — crippled,  sorry,  spent  and  steeped  in  grief, 
Now  heave  a  sigh  of  sweet  and  heavenly  relief, 
And  kneeling  penitent,  they  yearningly  implore: 
"America,  pray  open  the  redemption  door!" 

America!    The  soldiers — weary,  drenched  in  blood, 
Appeal  to  you  to  end  this  devastating  flood; 
"America,"  they  cry,  "great  champion  of  the  free, 
Come  hoist  the  flag  of  peace  and  our  saviour  be!" 

The  dying  on  the  cold  and  crimson  battlefield 
Espy  the  noble  shadow  as  their  souls  they  yield ; 
Uplift  their  hands  and  with  expiring  breath  exclaim: 
"America!     Protect  our  brothers  from  this  flame!" 

America!    The  world  is  praying  for  your  aid, 
To  act  for  such  a  cause  you  will  not  be  afraid. 
A  greater,  nobler  task  you  never  could  fulfil, 
A  deeper  love  in  man  you  never  could  instil. 


49 


A  million  mothers  turn  on  you  their  swollen  eyes ; 

They  dry  their  tears  of  blood,  suppress  their  breathless 

cries ; 

"America,"  they  sing  with  rapturous  delight, 
"Will  come  our  sons  to  save  and  end  our  bitter  plight!" 

A  million  starving  children  to  you  hold  out  their  hands, 
Your  name  resounds  with  glory  in  all  the  warring  lands. 
America!     Grand  liberator  of  the  slaves, 
A  million  voices  call  across  the  wintry  waves. 

A  dying  continent  looks  hopefully  to  you, 
Such  moments  in  a  nation's  history  are  few. 
Can  you  remain  unmoved  at  this  pathetic  call? 
Will  you  permit  a  world  to  perish  and  to  fall? 

The  spirit  of  your  forebears  is  not  all  destroyed, 
Your  sons  are  not  yet  all  of  gallantry  devoid. 
Undaunted,  you  will  all  the  ugly  barriers  brave 
And  tottering  Europe  from  eternal  ruin  save. 

Intrepid  you  will  march,  unlock  the  Golden  Gate, 
And  in  this  world  of  ours  a  new  regime  create, 
Where  dismal,  ghastly  and  inhuman  crime  called  "war," 
Henceforth  to  man  unknown  shall  be  for  evermore! 


50 


A  LETTER  FROM  EVELYN 

Dedicated  to  Evelyn  L. 

From  Evelyn  fair  a  missive  to  me  came, 
It  brought  a  solace  to  my  suffering  soul, 

A  ray  of  hope  and  bliss  without  a  name, 
A  light  that  leads  to  my  celestial  goal. 

I  grasped  it  firm,  I  clasped  and  held  it  fast, 
I  pressed  it  closely  to  my  throbbing  heart ; 

Each  thought  the  next  in  ecstacy  surpassed 
And  made  a  tear  from  my  hot  eyes  depart. 

Each  line  I  kissed,  then  read  and  kissed  again, 
A  thousand  times  I  pondered  o'er  each  word, 

I  felt  a  joy  no  mortal  could  restrain, 

Methought  my  own  sweet  Evelyn's  voice  I  heard. 

My  cheeks  turned  crimson  while  my  visage  beamed 
The  radiance  of  an  all-consuming  fire, 

The  whole  wide  world  a  spot  enchanted  seemed, 
The  gods  have  answered  my  supreme  desire. 


51 


THE  REWARD  OF  VALOR 

One  scented  summer  night,  beside 

A  calm  sequestered  spot, 
A  queenly  creature  I  espied; 

I  knew  the  maiden  not. 


Her  radiant  face,  divinely  fair, 
It  thrilled  and  throbbed  my  heart ; 

It  held  me  like  a  prisoner  there 
And  dared  me  to  depart. 

"But  how,"  I  said,  "can  that  strange  maid 

My  fervid  plea  accept, 
When  foolish  men  such  acts  upbraid 

As  graceless  and  inept?" 

But  still  I  moved  not  from  that  spot, 
I  stayed  and  stared  that  face; 

My  head  was  warm,  my  eyes  were  hot 
From  that  enthralling  place. 

For  each  succeeding  look  she  gave, 

It  pierced  my  ardent  soul, 
And  made  me  for  another  crave 

As  flames  do  crave  for  coal. 


52 


Full  many  a  maid  'ere  then  I  met, 
Much  loveliness  possessed, 

But  never  had  my  vision  yet 
By  such  a  scene  been  blest. 


In  fables  I  read  full  many  a  time 
Of  such  a  maid  as  this, 

How  in  a  distant  fairy  clime 
She  reigned  supreme  in  bliss. 


And  how  that  isle  became  since  then, 
A  place  where  angels  meet, 

Where  none  but  choice,  selected  men 
May  find  a  sweet  retreat. 


And  as  her  look  upon  me  fell, 

I  saw  that  blissful  land  ; 
I  felt  a  thrill  no  power  could  quell, 

No  human  force  withstand. 


And  as  my  heart  within  me  burned, 

My  yearning  to  beguile, 
I  spoke  to  her  and  she  returned 

A  captivating  smile. 


53 


A  smile  my  eyes  had  never  seen, 
Of  pure  celestial  grace; 

The  saddest  soul  it  would  serene, 
The  darkest  cloud  efface. 


I  said:    "Fair  maid,  for  this  advance, 

Your  pardon  I  beseech, 
But  since  you've  thrown  me  in  a  trance' 

And  here  I  failed  of  speech. 


Then  with  a  soul-bewitching  voice 

Resounded  her  reply: 
"You're  very  kind,  I  so  rejoice" — 

And  then  I  heaved  a  sigh. 


There  flowed  a  melody  from  her  words 

No  music  could  create; 
It  made  my  heartstrings  sing  like  birds, 

With  ecstacy  vibrate. 


The  air  was  filled  with  poetry 
From  her  enchanting  voice, 

And  nature  echoed  rhymes  of  glee 
That  made  the  earth  rejoice. 

54 


With  stronger  soul  and  firmer  heart 

Yet  fearful  of  the  odds, 
Beloved  maid,"  I  said,  "thou  art 

A  daughter  of  the  gods!" 


Her  sapphire  eyes  then  sent  through  me 

A  dazzling  look  of  fire; 
"I'll  heed,"  she  said,  "your  soulful  plea, 

Your  valor  I  admire !" 


Benumbed  and  speechless  there  I  stood, 
With  stirred  and  haunted  soul, 

No  mortal  could,  nor  venture  would 
My  ecstacy  control. 


I  felt  as  if  some  magic  power 
My  spirit  seized,  possessed ; 

I  felt  the  joy  of  a  budding  flower 
By  sun  and  dew  caressed. 


Her  answer  held  me  like  a  spell, 
It  pierced  my  bosom's  core; 

I  felt  my  heart  within  me  swell 
And  unto  Eden  soar. 

55 


A  SOLACE  FROM  THE  EAST 

Dedicated  to  Ruth  W. 

To  thee,  O  noble  herald  of  a  golden  age, 
Whose  sainted  soul  is  striving  for  a  righteous  world, 
Whose  heart  will  struggle  till  true  Freedom's  flag's  un- 
furled, 

And  evil  to  a  bottomless  abyss  is  hurled  ; 
To  thee,  sweet  maid,  I  come,  thy  yearning  to  assuage, 
A  better  earth,  a  happier  mankind  to  presage. 

Turn  east,  turn  east,  thy  radiant,  soul-enchanting  eyes, 
Whence  to  a  darkened  world  first  came  the  rays  of  light, 
The  deep  vermilion  hue  which  stained  that  gruesome 

night 

Has  turned  into  a  brilliant  dawn;  behold  the  sight, 
See  Freedom's  sun  with  matchless  pristine  glory  rise. 
Turn  east  thy  eyes,  for  there  the  hope  of  mankind  lies. 

And  as  your  gentle  and  inspiring  art  instils 

Pulsating  life  and  thrilling  beauty  into  naught, 

And  rivals  with  the  works  which   nature's  hands  have 

wrought, 

So,  too,  the  east  to  a  forsaken  globe  has  brought 
A  new  resplendent  light — a  magic  light  that  thrills 
All  men — their  bosom  with  celestial  glory  fills! 


56 


SERENADE 

Melody   as   of  Schubert's  Serenade 
Second  Version. 

In  the  glory  and  sereneness  of  this  night  divine, 

Stars  and  moon  with  splendor  shine  and  add  their  plea  to 

mine; 

Silence  whispers  sanguine  accents,  bids  me  not  despair, 
God  and  angels  smile  with  joy  as  I  my  love  declare. 

Hear  the  tuneful  wailing  of  the  nightingale  so  sweet, 
Cheerily  she  flaps  her  wings  and  moves  her  tender  feet; 
Hearken  to  her  notes  of  yearning,  to  her  sighs  for  me, 
Heed  her  quickly,  other  lovers  need  her  gentle  plea. 

Yield  to  my  entreaties,  fairest,  I  deserve  your  choice, 
For  my  love  will  bring  you  rapture  and  your  soul  rejoice; 
We  will  dwell  in  realms  of  bliss  and  happiness  sublime, 
We  will  conquer  all  before  us,  vanquish  space  and  time. 

Tarry  not,  O  graceful  maiden,  come  and  bless  my  heart, 
Bless  me  'ere  the  golden  beauties  of  this  night  depart! 


57 


GENERAL  ALLENBY 

Intrepid  son  of  Albion  the  brave, 

Thine  was  the  mission,  though  of  alien  creed, 
God's  hallowed  earth  from  heathen  foes  to  save; 

An  exiled  people  back  to  its  home  to  lead, 
An  outraged  race  from  bondage  to  redeem 
And  render  real  its  age-long  sweetest  dream. 

Oppressed  and  trampled  throughout  their  dreadful  night, 
Two  thousand  years  they  wandered  o'er  the  earth, 

Sustained  by  one  fond  hope,  one  radiant  light 
Of  the  glorious  Day  to  which  thou  gavest  birth. 

Divine  and  gallant  saviour!    Hail  to  thee! 

Thou  art  immortal  in  Israel's  history! 

Polluted  by  a  foul,  unholy  hand, 
For  centuries  the  scene  of  bloody  strife — 

Freed  from  that  yoke,  now  will  the  chosen  land 
Live  as  of  yore,  a  noble,  godly  life, 

A  guiding  star  as  in  the  days  of  old, 

A  fount  of  wisdom  and  of  bliss  untold! 


58 


THE  DAY  OF  DAYS 

On  the  crimson  battlefield 

Shines  a  ray  of  hope  and  light; 

There  where  cannon  was  man's  shield, 
Now  unfolds  a  glorious  sight. 

Those  who  yesterday  were  foes-, 
Thirsty  for  each  other's  blood, 

Now  unite  to  end  their  throes 
And  the  all-consuming  flood. 

Men  are  rushing  to  and  fro, 

Burning,  breaking  guns  and  shells, 

Greeting,  kissing  friend  and  foe, 
Ringing  loud,  joyful  bells. 

Women,  children,  young  and  old, 
Singing  gleeful,  happy  lays, 

March  triumphantly  and  bold, 
Bless  and  thank  this  Day  of  Days. 

Mothers  clasp  their  sons  in  love, 
Daughters  fall  on  fathers'  neck; 

All  rejoice  that  God  above 
Saved  them  from  eternal  wreck. 


59 


And  the  nations'  rulers  meet, 
Atoning  for  their  crimes; 

Humbly  they  each  other  greet 
As  they  hear  the  peaceful  chimes. 

Warships,  cannon,  all  is  smoke, 
Not  a  sword  or  shell  is  left. 

Is  not  this  a  master  stroke? 
Mankind  is  of  arms  bereft! 


60 


THE  CALL  OF  THE  DAWN 

Crucified  martyr  of  ages,  awake! 

A  scene  is  unfolding  but  few  can  believe. 
Sleep  not,  the  glorious  Day  will  soon  break; 

Come  forth  from  thy  exile  the  gift  to  receive. 

Gone  is  the  night  of  dark  thraldom,  'tis  spent; 

The  Day  of  Redemption  is  dawning  at  last, 
Israel's  shackles  asunder  are  rent, 

Messiah  is  sounding  the  Liberty  blast! 

Yonder  is  Zion,  thy  ancestral  soil, 

Vast  armies  are  marching  thy  home  to  regain; 

Statesmen  and  rulers  incessantly  toil, 

The  land  of  thy  fathers  for  thee  to  obtain. 

Strangers  are  fighting  this  battle  for  thee, 

In  myriads  dying  to  help  thee  to  live 
Yonder  in  Judah,  unhampered  and  free — 

Their  life  and  their  blood  they  are  eager  to  give. 

Wil't  thou  respond  to  this  heavenly  call? 

And  when  the  Day  comes,  will  thy  answer  be  "YES"? 
Wil't  thou  not  heed  and  let  Israel  fall? 

Or  wil't  thou  return  and  fair  Zion  possess? 


61 


Yonder  where  Light  and  where  Truth  were  first  born, 
Resplendent  the  sun  is  beginning  to  shine ; 

Even  the  rays  of  this  glorious  morn 

Are  dancing  with  gladness,  for  Zion  is  thine. 

'Twas  not  a  myth,  nor  a  meaningless  dream — 
The  hope  thou  hast  nurtured  two  thousand  years; 

'Twas  not  an  empty,  impossible  scheme, 
Not  vainly  have  fallen  thy  countless  tears. 

God  has  thy  people's  salvation  decreed — 
Thy  age-long  and  fervent  desire  is  fulfilled. 

When  the  Day  comes,  then,  be  ready,  proceed, 
The  land  of  thy  sires  to  revive  and  rebuild! 


62 


THE  DOVE  OF  PEACE 

Cease  your  bloody  carnage,  cease, 
Kneel  repentant,  lift  your  head; 

Hail  the  sacred  Dove  of  Peace, 
Soaring  high  above  your  head. 

Call  her,  greet  her,  beg  her  stay, 
For  your  wounds  are  sore  and  smart 

She  will  spread  her  balmy  ray 
O'er  your  aching,  bleeding  heart. 

Promise  her  in  solemn  strain, 
Never  more  to  break  her  mirth, 

Nor  with  monstrous  crimes  bestain 
This,  our  wondrous,  beauteous  earth. 

Ask  her  promptly  to  descend, 

She  will  all  your  ills  allay; 
She  will  bring  your  strife  to  end ; 

Bless  her,  bid  and  beg  her  stay ! 


63 


A  VOICE  FROM  THE  INFINITE 

We,  the  dwellers  of  the  heavens, 

We  the  ancestors  of  mankind, 

We  that  left  your  earthly  station, 

Called  to  rest  and  to  repose 

From  the  hardships  and  the  labors 

Of  life's  everlasting  struggle, 

We  are  restless  and  afflicted, 

Weeping,  mourning  and  lamenting; 

For  a  silent  voice  has  told  us: 

In  your  greed  for  ostentation, 

Pompous,  domineering  lordship, 

In  your  lust  for  gain  and  conquest, 

Your  vainglorious,  jealous  tactics, 

Your  insatiate  ambition, 

Ye  have  donned  a  garb  immoral, 

False  and  wicked  and  seducing — 

Ye  have  donned  the  evil  raiment 

Of  hypocrisy  and  falsehood; 

Spread  a  rumor  of  invasion, 

Striking  terror  in  your  subjects, 

Then  ye  blinded  them  with  hatred, 

Filled  their  hearts  with  deadly  venom, 

Malice,  scorn,  spite  and  fury 

For  their  brothers  and  their  sisters; 

And  in  frenzy  ye  have  sent  them, 

Driven  them  sheep-like  to  the  slaughter. 


64 


They  obeyed  their  master's  mandates, 
Running,  mad-like,  to  the  bloodshed, 
Slaying  millions  of  our  offspring, 
Children  innocent  and  orphans; 
Crippling,  starving  helpless  women, 
Hanging,  strangling  guiltless  graybeards, 
Mutilating  young  and  aged; 
Spoiling  mankind's  great  achievements, 
Burning  cities,  holy  buildings. 
And  Almighty,  wrathful,  asked  us: 
"Why  is  all  this  carnage  raging, 
Why  is  all  this  warfare  waging, 
Why  this  struggle  of  your  children 
Yonder  in  the  land  ye  dwelt  in? 
Why  this  butchery  and  bloodshed 
Of  the  manhood  of  the  nations, 
Why  this  ruthless  vivisection 
Of  the  flower  of  the  peoples, 
Of  the  sinews  of  the  races? 
Why  this  wanton  wreck  and  ruin 
Of  the  works  I  have  created  ? 
Why  this  wilful  desecration 
Of  my  holy  worship  places, 
This  prolific  desolation 
Of  the  treasures  of  the  ages, 
This  plethora  of  destruction 
Of  the  products  of  your  forebears? 
Why  this  senseless  resurrection 


65 


Of  the  wildest,  savage  instincts? 
Why  this  martyrdom  of  mankind 
On  the  altar  of  the  warlords? 
Why  this  shameless  perpetration 
Of  the  blackest,  basest  misdeeds? 
Why  this  endless  strife  and  conflict, 
This  crusade  of  persecution? 
Why  this  heartless,  ghastly  murder, 
This  designed  assassination? 
Why  this  massacre  of  mankind? 
Why  this  murderous  transformation 
Of  a  world  of  joy  and  beauty, 
Bliss  and  splendor  and  abundance, 
Into  one  gigantic  graveyard, 
One  satanic  mad-arena, 
One  enormous  mortuary, 
One  colossal  sick-asylum, 
One  unending  chain  of  cripples, 
One  titanic  mass  of  cinders, 
Ruins,  carcasses  and  shambles, 
One  stupendous  House  of  Sorrow, 
Mourning,  anguish  and  perdition? 
I  have  given  you  all  you  wished  for. 
Blessed  you  with  a  mighty  reason, 
Conscience,  wisdom,  understanding, 
Knowledge,  intellect  and  power, 
Gave  you  fertile  fields  and  plenty, 
Lavished  luxuries  upon  you, 


66 


Wealth  and  comforts  and  great  fortunes, 

All  the  rich  and  vast  resources 

Of  a  wise  and  bounteous  nature, 

Gave  you  even  of  my  own 

Godly  spirit  and  compassion. 

Shame  upon  you  and  your  leaders, 

Shame  upon  your  pride  and  boasts, 

For  in  spite  of  all  your  culture, 

All  your  vaunted   civilization, 

All  your  arts  and  all  your  science, 

You  act  lower  than  the  lowest 

In  the  scale  of  my  creation!" 

And,  indignant,  God  proceeded: 

"Now,  ye  ancestors  of  mankind, 

Xell  the  warlords,  give  them  warning, 

God  hath  spoken;  He  is  angered 

By  their  brutal  deeds  of  murder, 

By  their  havoc  and  destruction, 

By  their  outrageous  plunder, 

By  their  waste  and  spoliation, 

By  their  rape  and  desolation, 

By  their  violence  and  ravage, 

By  their  wickedness  and  carnage. 

If  this  savage  slaughter  cease  not, 

If  forthwith  this  bloodshed  end  not, 

I  will  pour  my  wrath  upon  them, 

Send  them  fearful  conflagrations, 

All-consuming   plagues   and   scourges. 


67 


I  will  turn  their  harvests  barren, 

What  was  once  a  fertile  Europe, 

Giving  all  a  life-sustainer, 

Now  will  be  a  sterile  desert, 

Filled  with  hungry,  wandering  millions, 

What  was  once  a  brilliant  Europe, 

Dazzling  with  the  light  of  progress, 

Beaming  with  the  great  achievements 

Of  sublime  and  glorious  ages, 

Now  will  be  an  endless  vista 

Heaped  with  smoking,  smouldering  ruins; 

I  will  drive  them  back  to  Babel, 

Sentence  them  to  life-long  torture, 

Plunge  them  into  senseless  chaos; 

In  confusion  and  disaster 

They  will  flee  they  know  not  whither ; 

I  will  hate  them  and  despise  them, 

Break  my  covenant  forever 

With  the  choice  of  my  creation; 

I  will  take  away  their  birthright, 

Human  hearts  and  human  souls, 

They  will  lose  their  understanding, 

Human  memory  and  reason, 

And  in  stupor  they  will  wander, 

Wander  like  the  ancient  savage; 

Famished  parents  will  in  frenzy 

Boil  for  food  their  little  children, 

Till  themselves  they  fall  the  victims 


68 


To  the  wild  beasts  of  the  forests!" 
And  we  trembled  when  we  heard  this 
Threat  of  dreadful  dispensation, 
This  appalling  retribution 
On  our  loved  ones,  our  descendants, 
When  we  saw  this  sombre  shadow 
Of  a  world  in  endless  torture, 
Af  a  ruined,  perished  mankind; 
And  since  then  our  rest  has  vanished, 
Vanished  like  a  passing  lightning 
Prior  to  an  evil  tempest; 
For  we  fear  this  dreadful  menace, 
Lest  indeed  it  be  accomplished, 
Lest  God's  vengeance  fall  upon  ye. 
By  this  spectre  ever  haunted, 
By  this  nightmare  ever  tortured, 
We  decided  we  should  warn  ye, 
Tell  ye,  chide  ye  and  exhort  ye, 
To  desist  from  this  black  murder, 
To  abstain  from  this  inhuman, 
This  horrific  bloody  conflict, 
To  refrain  from  shedding  rivers, 
Seas  of  blood  of  human  beings, 
To  relinquish  once  forever 
This  barbaric  hellish  contest, 
To  unite,  destroy  your  weapons, 
Plunge  your  past  into  oblivion, 
And  resolve  to  live  henceforward, 


69 


Not  as  men  of  hostile  nations, 

Fighting  tribes  and  jealous  races, 

But  as  loving  brothers,  sisters, 

Watched  by  one  Almighty  Father, 

Always  aiding  one  another, 

Ever  climbing  higher,  higher 

In  the  ladder  of  humaneness, 

Burning,  breaking  all  the  darkness, 

All  the  ugly  fiendish  hatreds, 

All  the  prejudice  of  ages, 

Melt  your  guns,  your  shells  and  bullets, 

Sink  your  warships,  burn  your  castles, 

Raising  on  their  time-worn  altars, 

Two  colossal  edifices, 

Resting  on  the  lofty  pillars 

Of  humanity  and  justice — 

One  wherein  ye  ghastly  sinners 

Enter,  and  with  tears  of  pity, 

Crave  forgiveness  of  Almighty 

(If  forgiveness  may  be  granted) 

For  your  monstrous  wrongs  and  vices, 

For  your  foul  and  wicked  actions, 

Your  ungrateful,  shameful  misdeeds; 

Crave  the  pardon  of  the  buried, 

Of  the  wounded  and  the  crippled, 

Of  the  injured  and  the  maimed, 

Of  the  legless  and  the  armless, 

Of  the  sightless  and  the  helpless; 


70 


Cleanse  your  hearts,  your  hands  and  bodies 

Of  the  blood  that  ye  have  shedded, 

Grave  forgiveness  of  the  widows, 

Of  the  widows  and  the  orphans, 

Of  the  fathers  and  the  mothers, 

For  the  lives  that  ye  have  taken 

From  their  misdirected  children; 

One,  wherein,  with  lowly  spirit, 

Humble  heart,  remorseful  conscience, 

Purged,  ye  enter  and  contritely 

Join  your  hands  and  swear  an  oath, 

Swear  a  solemn,  godly  oath, 

Never  more  the  sword  to  brandish, 

Never  more  your  skill  to  show, 

By  your  military  prowess, 

Never  more  your  guns  to  summon 

To  adjust  your  strife  and  discord, 

But  to  live  as  loving  brethren, 

All  pursuing  the  high  purpose 

Of  this  earthly  fleeting  journey — 

The  perfection  of  the  soul, 

Vicing  all  with  one  another 

In  the  realms  of  worldly  culture, 

Worldly  knowledge,  learning,  wisdom, 

Worldly  progress  and  advancement, 

Ever  coming  nearer,  nearer 

To  the  goal  of  human  efforts — 

Love,  fraternity  and  mercy; 


71 


So  that  when  your  days  are  ending, 
When  the  sun  to  set  commences 
And  your  waning,  fading  eyesight 
In  the  dim  horizon  distant, 
Sees  the  doors  of  Heaven  open, 
Ye  can  face  our  God  Protector, 
With  a  pure  and  chastened  conscience, 
And  exclaim:  "Oh,  God  Almighty, 
We  have  done  our  earthly  duty!" 


Printed  by 

SOUTHLAND  PUBLISHING  HOU3S 
Los  Angeles,  California 


72 


UNIVERSITY  OF  CALIFORNIA  LIBRARY 

Los  Angeles 
This  book  is  DUE  on  the  last  date  stamped  below. 


NOViTSs 

MOV  3  01988 


"KPD  tB-'a 
4WKNOV27 

NOV  1 3  19SI 


1992 


Form  L9-50m-ll,'50 (2654)444 


Richter  - 
The  Power 


3  1158  01301 


L2p     Love 


PS 
3535 


